PIP reconsideration declined………

You may remember, back in July, how I was told that my PIP payments had been stopped. I then went through the ‘reconsideration’ process…….well yesterday I got the dreaded letter which stated that my request for reconsideration had been declined….

I used to get the payment, in fact I think I received it for 18 months. Now, considering I have a terminal, progressive debilitating condition, I’m not going to get better. In fact, I now have further challenges as those close to me know all too well. So I’ve deteriorated, yet am no longer entitled to the PIP payment – something doesn’t feel logical here………

From the comments that were included in the letter, I now realise that people living on their own are penalised.
Here’s some snippets of their wisdom….:

“You said you have difficulty planning and following journeys. I decided you can plan and follow the route of a journey unaided”

Well, apparently all the aids I use don’t count…..

“You live alone. You are able to use applications and alarms on your phone to remind you of daily activities”

Sooooo, I shouldn’t live alone, I should have someone living with me to do things for me? And I certainly shouldn’t be able to use technology…….

“You are able to plan and follow journeys using various modes of transport. You are able to give talks for the Alzheimers society”

They really don’t like the fact that I’ve worked out ways to enable me to continue to travel which means I’m not isolated but apparently I should stay at home and not see anyone and I certainly should not give talks………..how sad they want me to be…….

“I decided….you can manage medication…unaided…..”

So once again, the 2 alarms I have permanently set to remind me otherwise medication gets forgotten, don’t count…the box by my kettle and box on the stairs go against me too…………They’d prefer me to forget……..

“…..you are not at risk of self neglect or malnourishment…”

So I have to be in crisis to be entitled…..?

We have to find ways to cope as there’s no one living with us to do things for us. So no matter what methods we use to remain independent, they go against us when claiming such benefit. We shouldn’t be allowed to live on our own, is what they’re really saying….

They’ve been told to save money and save money they will at the expense of those who are trying their hardest to survive…….

I need to move in with one of my daughters, allow them to do everything for me, then I might qualify….possibly…..

Going on my experience of this whole process, the only conclusion I can make is that they need to change the name – Personal Independent payment – It’s certainly not a payment to help you remain independent, in fact it’s a payment for people who aren’t independent……people who live alone could never meet their criteria……….we can never win simply because we live alone and have to find ways to manage – we only fit into their world when we can no longer manage alone – I can’t beat the system as I want to live alone and refuse to be the person they want me to be…….

So……..I give in, I can’t fight them and be put down any more – something I don’t do very often, but they‘ve won……a sad day……..

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About wendy7713

On the 31st July 2014 I was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. I may not have much of a short term memory anymore but that date is one I’ll never forget.
I’m 58 years young, live happily alone in Yorkshire, have 2 daughters and I’m currently still in full time employment in the NHS. However, I’m now in the process of taking early retirement to give me a chance of enjoying life while I’m still me. I've started this blog to allow me, in the first instance, to write all my thoughts before they’re lost. If anyone chooses to follow my ramblings it will serve as a way of raising awareness on the lack of research into Alzheimer's. It will hopefully convey the helplessness of those diagnosed with dementia, as there is no cure – the end is inevitable. However, I’m also hoping I can convey that, although we've been diagnosed, people like me still have a substantial contribution to make; we still have a sense of humour; we sill have feelings. I’m hoping to show the reality of trying to cope on a day to day basis with the ever-changing environment that dementia throws at those diagnosed with the condition.
What I want is not sympathy. What I want is simply to raise awareness.
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37 thoughts on “PIP reconsideration declined………”

I’m very sorry to hear this Wendy, but not at all surprised. Ken Loach’s new film ‘I Daniel Blake’ documents only too starkly what Ken calls the ‘conscious cruelty’ of our current benefits system. The film is heartbreaking, but do see it if you can. At least it’s raising awareness of how folk are being treated by a system which is supposed to help support people in need. If it’s OK with you, I’d like to tweet your post? Thanks, Brenda

Oh Wendy, that’s absolutely so wrong! Completely ridiculous. It too makes me angry and frustrated on your behalf. I know you’re still reeling from it at present, but is there any way through it now? Any further right of appeal? Can your GP and/or the local Alzheimer’s Society help? Lots of questions I know … but I am fuming …
We had a similar situation with our Mum – didn’t get anything at all, until she became gravely ill, frightened and had to be hospitalised for her own safety. I had hoped hers was an isolated case, as we were too good at covering up her difficulties.
Have a peaceful weekend with those who know and care would be my advice for the time being. Sending hugs, support and sympathy – not much help I know, but it’s all I have, apart from anger. xxxx

Yes, I could go through the court process but I really have lost all faith in the system – for as long as I live alone, I’ll never meet their criteria Sally. Gp, Consultant and AS all provided letters of support but to no avail. I need to draw a line under it for my own sanity me thinks.😔

Oh Wendy, so very sorry to hear this! Just so cruel and unfair. Please fight on – over 60% who go to Tribunal get the original decision overturned. I’ve been to Tribunal, many years ago now, to get DLA. It wasn’t a barrel of laughs, but they overturned the original decision, and gave me low Care and high mobility. There are 3 at tribunal – a judge, a doctor and somebody who is disabled themself. Makes for a more rounded look at your case than a single decision maker at DWP. Big cyber-hugs to you! Take a break over the weekend, chat with your lovely daughters, and think again about at least applying for Tribunal – if you really can’t face it nearer the time you can still withdraw. Remember you only have a month after the date on your Mandatory Reconsideration letter to apply for Tribunal. I can give you the details of how to apply if you wish – initially it’s just a form to fill in from the Tribunal Service. Good luck!

Hi can I ask about that as my friend who had pips and lives on her own has had her pips taken of her. She is much worse than she was before and life is going to be far more than a struggle for her. So sorry to hear of yours been overturned Wendy. Xxx

Hello Wendy S, if your friend wants to appeal she will first have to go through Mandatory Reconsideration (which is what Wendy has just had the decision about). The request for that must be made within a month of receiving the original decision on PIP. It can be made by phone, but best to also write to say you will be requesting MR and sending more information. Then there’s 21 days from that phone call to write with your reasons for disagreeing with the Decision Maker, or to provide further medical or other evidence.

Once you reach the stage Wendy is at now it’s a case of applying to the Tribunal Service to appeal. You have one calendar month from the date on the MR decision to get the form (I’ve written more in another reply on this blog post about the form and leaflet about filling it in) sent to the TS. You should send a copy of the MR decision with the form – DWP are supposed to send 2 copies of the decision so that people have a copy to send to TS.

I’m not clear on all the details, but if you’re late getting the Form to the TS for “good reason” it’s possible to ask for Appeal for 12 (might be 13) months from decision. I’m not sure what’s regarded as “good reason”, but imagine such things as hospitalisation or sickness (with supporting evidence) might count. I’m not a Benefits Advisor, so all of this is my personal understanding from currently fighting through this system myself – I’m now waiting for the results of my MR.

The Tribunal Service then tell DWP that you are appealing and ask for all the evidence they’ve used in your claim. DWP send that bundle of evidence to both TS and you, at which point you can start putting together your case, though it’s a good idea to think about things sooner than that! If at all possible it’s a good idea to have professional help/advice for Tribunal (try googling “welfare rights” plus your post code), but if you can’t find anyone to help at least get a friend or family member to go along for support.

Time from applying to actually going to Tribunal varies round the country, but I believe it’s around 3 months.

I really recommend Benefits and Work for advice on PIP and other benefits.http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/
There’s an annual fee, but less than £20. They have guides to filling in various DWP forms for members, and members can post on the Forum there with any questions they have about form filling etc. Please note I have no financial or other interest in B&W other than having found their documents and advice very useful, and the Forum too.

Hope that this is of some help Wendy S. If you have any more specific questions about Tribunals do feel free to ask.

Wendy if that is just the Mandatory Reconsideration you had turned down? Then appeal to the tribunal and tell the DWP and the assessment company, I think it maybe ATOS in your area, if not then it’s Capita, that you are going to request the assessor who wrote the report and the decision maker both attend the hearing, and will be asked questions by you, or your representative, about their opinions.
When you get a date for the hearing email the CEO of the assessment company and tell them that the health professional by the name of (insert name) attend the hearing at (address of hearing and time) to answer questions you have about the report.
Do a similar email to the DWP for the decision maker and anyone they contacted to clarify what your form and report said.
The email to the DWP should say that the decision maker who made the decision on the claim for PIP is requested to attend the tribunal hearing at (place of hearing) on the date of XX/XX/XXXX. Don’t worry they only initial the decisions so a copy and paste would be the way to go even if you have to do it as an attachment.

THESE ARE THE QUESTIONS I WOULD ASK THE HP (HEALTH PROFESSIONAL)

1. How long have you worked for the company?
2. Is it part time or full time?
3. How do you keep your registration current as writing reports of opinion is hardly keeping your qualifications current?
4. Name the books you read on my illness?
5. Are they available for sale to the general public?
6. What subjects do you specialise in?
7. Point out in the report what is opinion and what is fact?
8. Did you or any other person that works for the company access my medical records, if yes why were copies of them not sent when the SAR was requested as the request clearly stated ALL THE INFORMATION USED?

FOR THE DECISION MAKER

1. How long have you worked in your role as a decision maker for the DWP on the date you made the decision?
2. What are your qualifications?
3. How do they help you in the role of a decision maker?
4. What field of medicine do you practice?
5. Did you ask anyone with medical knowledge to clarify anything in the report or did you just make your decision on the form sent in, and/or the report?
6. Are they here today to back up what you claim?
7. Ask them about your condition. questions like what does this term mean? When you come up against medical jargon in the report
8. Can you point out what is opinion and what is fact in the report (BOND SOLON RULE PART 35)

They won’t turn up so if the tribunal has said the medical person will be happy to answer any questions you have. They’re are clearly questions there that no one but the person themselves could answer like how long they have worked there or full or part time, their qualifications, all they can do is make a guess, for all you know you could be their first ever person they have seen after passing to be an assessor!

Take a mental break, and maybe later you will have the will to fight on. You owe it to yourself …but also to set a precedent for people in your situation. As a Canadian I have no understanding of your system — but the whole situation you are in is so wrong. I hope you and your family fight this decision as a matter of principle.

Hi Wendy,
It seems this distressing, shortsighted letter arrived just as you are trying to recoup your energy from your recent heavy schedule. Bummer. I think Wild Thing 666’s suggestion sounds very wise, but it does require the energy you are low on right now. May I suggest you give yourself some very serious Billy Time (he is probably distraught too) and plan not to do anything or think about this for 10-12 days? This PiP person has no idea who she is dealing with and how many of us around the world are supported, encouraged and behind you. Have a cuppa, some downtime and go get what you are entitled to!! Your friend across the pond. 💞

Dear Wendy, please don’t take this as me trying to pressurise you, but just in case it’s helpful to you or your daughters (or any of the people who follow your blog) I thought I’d give the links for the Tribunal stuff.

I’m in Brighton at the dementia Congress next week…m hoping to question the under section of state for care..bout the back to work assessment and also PIP..s just a few weeks ago the government announced people to ill with no chance of getting better would be taken out of assessments. I had a letter this week from minister for disabled people we will not being taken out of this..m not happy and will be letting him know on Wednesday. So let’s we can get some positive news next week.

Totally agree with Donna , ring the Alzheimer society, this is exactly the fight they should be helping you with. On a minor note they have helped a friend of mine get the disabled blue card, this is another area that is a lottery, I got the ” you’re not disabled”. from a stranger as I helped Christopher from the car, I had been waiting for this. ” Change places with me any time”. Is Altzheimers one of the few disabilities that are hidden ?

Good luck dear Wendy , after a pause , I am sure you will go on to win this one, your audience awaits the result 😀X veronicax

I’m so sorry to hear this Wendy.
I wondered if you had seen this article which has appeared on Facebookhttp://www.sciencealert.com/new-alzheimer-s-treatment-fully-restores-memory-function .
This is not in response to this blog post, but I saw it and thought of you, and I don’t know how else to contact you! It’s from last year, but I hadn’t heard about it until now – I fervently hope that their trials will find that this works.

Hi Wendy, please consider appealing this decision. If need be I will offer any support I can – I too live alone and try to remain independent and have just been awarded PIP without any questions asked after a home assessment.

Please bear in mind that most of these decisions and mandatory reconsiderations are designed purely to put the majority of people off and hope they go away whereas the majority of these decisions are overturned on appeal.